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CSI PARAMEDIC PROGRAM Interactive Advising Tutorial Welcome! This interactive advising tutorial has been designed to help you gain a better understanding of the CSI paramedic program. Topics such as prerequisites, the application process and what to expect during the program are all covered.
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CSI PARAMEDIC PROGRAM Interactive Advising Tutorial
Welcome! • This interactive advising tutorial has been designed to help you gain a better understanding of the CSI paramedic program. • Topics such as prerequisites, the application process and what to expect during the program are all covered. • Please take your time in the tutorial, visit the many hyperlinks that are provided, and watch it as many times as you like. • Enjoy and let us know if you have questions!
What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic? • An EMT-B course is approximately 140 hours after which the EMT-B provides basic life support to sick or injured patients. • A Paramedic course is approximately 1,400 hours after which the paramedic provides advanced life support to sick or injured patients. • To learn more, visit: http://www.nremt.org/about/ems_learn.asp
Do I have to become an EMT prior to enrolling in the paramedic program? • Yes. You must be at least an EMT-B to enter the paramedic program. • CSI offers EMT-B and Advanced EMT courses every fall and spring semesters. • For more information, contact Dennis Patterson, CSI EMT Program Manager at (208) 732-6712 or dpatterson@csi.edu
How do I begin my path of study? • The first step is to complete this tutorial and then apply to CSI. For more information, click on http://www.csi.edu/level2.asp?id=2 • The second step is to take the COMPASS Test at the CSI Testing Center in the Meyerhoeffer Building. • The third step is to complete the prerequisite courses. • The fourth step is to apply to the paramedic program.
What are the prerequisite courses for the paramedic program? • EMT-B • Biology 127 Human Anatomy and Physiology with a lab (4 credits) • English 101 English Composition (3 credits) • Math 123 Math in Modern Society (3 credits) • Note: These are the minimal prerequisite courses. Students who have completed higher level courses may have the above prerequisites waived.
If I have taken prerequisites at another school, can I transfer them to CSI? • Yes, as long as you attended an accredited college and earned at least a “C” grade or higher in each of the courses. • To do this, have an Official Transcript from each school attended sent to: CSI Admissions Office PO Box 1238 Twin Falls, ID 83303
If my COMPASS Scores are high enough, do I still need to take the prerequisite courses? • If you score higher than the level of the required class, you may qualify to have certain course(s) waived. • If you score high enough, you can have the required course(s) transcripted for an additional per-credit cost. • For more information, contact the CSI Advising Center at (208) 733-9554.
Can CLEP exams meet the prerequisite requirements? • Absolutely. Successful CLEP (College Level Entrance Placement) tests count as credit for courses. • For more information on available CLEP tests, contact the CSI testing center. (208) 733-9554
How do I apply to the paramedic program? • After you complete the prerequisites, call (208) 732-6701 to request an application or click on the program application link to download an application online. • http://www.csi.edu/ip/nursing/paramedic/PDF/paramedicapplication.pdf
How long is the CSI program? • The CSI paramedic program is three semesters: Spring, Fall, and Spring. Students have the summer off to work in the field, spend time with family or take courses towards their degree. The clock hour total of the program is approximately 1,400 hours.
Why should I attend the college based paramedic program at CSI? • The reasons for attending a college based program are many. Unlike other programs, CSI has a tremendous training facility, state of the art equipment, highly qualified and experienced faculty, financial aid, several computer labs, a simulation lab, human cadaver lab, student malpractice insurance, an extensive library, and students receive college credit for all classes!
Is the CSI paramedic program state approved and nationally accredited? • Yes! The State of Idaho Bureau of EMS has approved all courses since the program’s inception and the program is fully accredited by the prestigious national Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions/Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. CSI is also accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Is national accreditation important? • Yes! • Accreditation assures the program meets the highest standards of paramedic education in the country. Because of our commitment to the highest quality of education, accreditation is of utmost importance to the CSI paramedic program. • For more information on accreditation visit: http://www.coaemsp.org
What is the class schedule? • During the first semester Lecture is MWF 10am-1pm, Lab MW or MF 2-5pm, and Clinical TTH by schedule for 100hrs. • During the second semester Lecture is MWF 10am-1pm, Lab MW or MF 2-6pm, and Clinical TTH by schedule for 200hrs. • During the third semester Lecture/Lab is TTH 9am-12pm for the first 4 and last 3 weeks. The remainder of the time is spent in internship at an agreed upon location.
If I am a certified EMT in another state, can I begin the CSI program? • Yes, although you must keep your certification current throughout the program. (Coursework in the paramedic program applies towards continuing education in most states). • For students interested in Idaho certification, visit: http://www.idahoems.org
What are the job markets and pay scales across the nation for Paramedics? • The job forecast for paramedics for the next 10 years shows a national shortage of paramedics across the country. This will mean more jobs and higher pay. • To see where current openings are, visit: http://www.jems.com/careerpath/ • To see a salary survey, visit: http://www.jems.com/jems/pdf/salary_survey02.pdf
Where am I allowed to do my internship? • Internships are based on student competencies and are conducted in metropolitan areas with high call volumes. This allows students to experience many types of calls in an adequate time frame during the third semester. A portion of the internship may be completed locally, but all students are required to participate in a busy metropolitan system. • Current internships are offered in the Las Vegas, Galveston, and New Orleans areas at the following links: • Southwest Ambulance Las Vegas http://www.swalv.com/ • AMR Las Vegas http://www.amr-inc.com • Acadian Ambulance http://www.acadian.com
Do I pay for Internship? • Yes and No. • Many services do not charge for internship as long as you think you might want to work for them after you are certified. Others charge nominal fees. • Students are responsible for housing, meals, and personal expenses while on internship. • Many students choose to live with former students who are now employees of the respective services while on internship.
Do I need health insurance while enrolled in the program? • Yes. Students are exposed to many illnesses and dangers and personal health insurance is a requirement. • Several plans are available for purchase on your own or by inquiring at the Health Science and Human Services office.
What are the physical and mental requirements of a paramedic? • The physical and mental requirements are set forth by the US Department of Transportation. To view them visit: http://www.csi.edu/ip/nursing/paramedic/qualifications.html
Can I work full time while in the program? • Because of the demanding nature of the program, students are strongly discouraged from working fulltime. Few students have successfully completed the program while working full time. Many students do however, work part time, based on time available. • Complete the following link to see how much time you have! How Much Time Do You Have?
What is the cost of the program? • The estimated cost of the program is approximately $4,000.00. Depending on various factors, it may be substantially less. • Because the tuition cost at CSI is the same for 20 credits as it is for 10, the cost is substantially less than other public and private programs.
Can paramedic students qualify for financial aid and scholarships? • Absolutely. Students usually receive the most aid based economic need and academic performance. • All students are encouraged to apply! • For financial aid information, visit: http://www.csi.edu/level3.asp?id=7&level=3 • For scholarship information, visit: http://www.csi.edu/level3.asp?id=6&level=3
What are the differences between the Technical Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science Degree? • The TC is the paramedic curriculum with the minimum pre-requisites. • The AAS includes all of the TC courses, plus a full year of A&P (BIO 227 and 228) and additional courses in Communications, Bioethics, Pharmacology, and Medical Terminology. • Note: The state of Oregon requires all new paramedics who practice in the state have an Associate Degree. Many ambulance services and fire departments are beginning to award salary bonuses to employees with degrees.
If I complete a TC, can I complete my AAS at a later date? • Yes. Once the remaining AAS courses are successfully completed a student can be awarded the AAS degree.
Is there a form I can use to track my progress towards my TC or AAS? • Sure. • For the TC (Technical Certificate), click on: • TCchkoff.pdf • For the AAS (Associate of Applied Science Degree), click on: • AASchkoff.pdf • Note: These forms are used are to be used as references, not official documents.
Upon graduation, will I qualify to work in any state? • CSI graduates qualify to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician paramedic exam. Successfully completing the Registry certification enables individuals to apply for certification in most states. • Occasionally states require individuals to take an additional state-specific test. For a complete list of state certification requirements, visit: http://www.nremt.org/EMTServices/emt_cand_state_offices.asp
How have CSI paramedic students performed on the National Registry exam? • Since the program’s beginning, 100% of all graduates who have taken the difficult National Registry exam have passed. Over 90% of graduates have passed the exam on the first attempt, which is 26% higher than the national average and the best paramedic exam performance in the state of Idaho.
What certifications do I earn while I am in the CSI paramedic program? • Students complete the American Heart Association’s Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses http://www.americanheart.org and the NAEMT Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) course http://www.phtls.org All of these courses verify graduates have the latest knowledge and enhance their employability.
Where are CSI graduates currently employed? • Graduates of the program are employed in Idaho, Oregon, Louisiana, and Nevada; working in Fire Rescue, Ambulance, Emergency Department, Tertiary and Home Healthcare settings.
Upon graduation, will CSI assist me in securing employment? • Yes. The Center for New Directions offers assistance in resume preparation, interviewing skills, and placement assistance. To learn more, click on: • http://www.csi.edu/level3.asp?id=49&level=2#Services
What can I do if I get tired of being a field paramedic? • Because the CSI paramedic program is college-based, the courses are all worth college credit. Many of these credits apply toward many other paths of study. • Many former paramedics have gone on to study medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, and law. Field paramedics also often move into professional positions as managers, educators, and non-traditional paramedic roles in occupational and/or industrial medicine, critical care settings, flight medicine, and emergency department settings.
In review, what must I do to become a paramedic? • First, you must feel a strong desire to help people at their time of utmost need. • Second, you must complete EMT-B certification and show competence in Math, English and Anatomy & Physiology. (Competence is usually met by completing pre-requisite courses which are all offered at CSI. Math and English are even available online. For course schedules visit: http://www.csi.edu) • Third, you must apply, be accepted, and complete an approved paramedic program. • Fourth, you must pass a state or national certification exam.
Remember! • You can achieve everything you need to become a paramedic with CSI and the nationally accredited CSI paramedic program!
More questions? • Contact Gordon Kokx, CSI Paramedic Program Manager by email gkokx@csi.edu or by calling (208) 732-6710.
Thank you for watching! • Did you enjoy the tutorial? • Was it helpful? • Is there information you would like to see added? • Let us know your thoughts! • Email us at: gkokx@csi.edu